Surgical retractor with light

ABSTRACT

A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releasably mounting the retractor to the ring.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A surgical retractor with a light is disclosed herein below.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surgical retractors with lights are known. For example, see: U.S. Pat.No. 4,562,832 (Wilder), U.S. Publication No. 2007/0060795 (Vayser), andU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,384,392 & 8,012,089 (both to Bayat). Wilder discloses aretractor with a flexible light pipe. Vayser, in FIG. 1, shows aretractor 1 with a LED (light emitting diode) light 3 and a battery 4.The LED and battery are “all mounted on a strip of tape 8.” Vayser,Paragraph 10. Thus, as the invention is described in the independentclaims, the lighting components are ‘releasably securable’ to theretractor. Bayat, on the other hand, shows in FIG. 7, a plurality ofLED's 120 along the longitudinal axis of the blade and discloses thatthe LEDs may be located ‘within the profile of the blade.’ Bayat '392,column 4, lines 45-58; and Bayat '089, the paragraph bridging columns 5and 6. Bayat goes on to say that the ‘blade near the light isconstructed of a translucent or transparent material to allow the lightto pass through the blade.’ Ibid. Bayat '089 also discloses a camera136, see FIG. 7, as part of the retractor.

While these retractors are a solution to the problem of providing alight on a retractor, there is room for improvement. The retractordisclosed below is an improvement over these known retractors with alight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft andthe blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. Aplurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed atthe upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. Theretractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Alsodisclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, atleast one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler forreleasably mounting the retractor to the ring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged illustration of a part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of the first embodiment with partsshown in phantom to illustrate certain internal components.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along section lines 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the second embodiment with a power sourceattached thereto.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, where like numerals refer to like elements,there is shown in FIG. 1 a first embodiment of the surgical retractor10. Retractor 10 has a shaft 12 and a blade 14. Shaft 12 and blade 14are joined together at an angle, are integral, and the angle may beadjustable (that is the angle between the blade and the shaft may bechanged by, for example, bending by hand or by the inclusion of apivoting mechanism (not shown)). In this embodiment, the angle may be90° (but may be at other angles, e.g., 45-135°, or 55-115°, or 55-85°).Additionally, shaft 12 may be telescoping (not shown), so that it'slength may be changed. The material may be opaque (i.e., non-lighttransmitting or non-transparent). The blade and shaft may be made of anymaterial, metal or plastic. The material may be chosen so that theretractor may be sterilized by a variety of methods including, but notlimited to, autoclaving, ethylene oxide, radiation, cold sterilization(i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma), immersion sterilization (i.e. Cidex),or a combination thereof. The plastics may be: polyolefins (e.g.,polypropylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), polyamides,perfluoroelastomers, polycarbonates, polyetheretherketones (PEEKs),polyphenyl sulfones, acetals, and/or thermoplastic elastomers (e.g.,EDPM rubber crosslinked with polypropylene). One such material may beULTEM HU1004 (PEEK) available from Sabic Innovative Plastics ofPittsfield, Mass. In one embodiment of the present invention, thesurgical retractor may be a single use device which is disposable.

The blade 14 has an upper surface 16 that may be concave, flat, round orconvex. A plurality (at least two) of LED (light emitting diode) lights18 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. In thisembodiment, four lights 18 are shown in-line along the axis; however,other configurations of these lights are possible (e.g., multiple rowsand/or columns or other geometric configurations). The LED lights 18face up from the upper surface 16. Face up as used herein means that themajor axis of the LED light may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to135°) from the plane of the upper surface 16. The LED lights 18 may eachface up at differing angles. In one embodiment of the present invention,the blade 14 may have a single LED light 18 disposed along thelongitudinal axis of the blade 14. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the blade 14 has an upper surface 16 that may be concave,flat, round or convex. One or more LED lights 18 may be disposed alongthe longitudinal or transverse axis of the blade 14.

A second surface 20 may also be associated with the upper surface 16 andis located on that portion of the upper surface 16 closer to the shaft12. This second surface 20 is disposed on the upper surface 16 at anangle and is located behind the LED lights 18. The angle may be suchthat second surface 20 faces away from the upper surface 16.

The shaft 12 and the blade 14 have a common lower surface 21. A channel22 is cut into the lower surface 21 of the blade 14 and the shaft 12.The channel 22 houses electrical connectors 26 (for example, see FIG. 3)that connect the LED lights 18 with a power source. The channel 22 isclosed and sealed with a closure member 24. The closure member 24 may beflush with the lower surface 21. The closure member 24 may be selectedfrom the group including but not limited to an adhesive, a screw,fastener, or snap on mechanism, or a combination thereof. The closuremember 24 may be sealed in the channel 22 by use of an adhesive. Theadhesive may be any adhesive, it may be sterilized by a variety ofmethods including, but not limited to, autoclaving, ethylene oxide,radiation, cold sterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma), immersionsterilization (i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. Such adhesives maybe epoxies or polyurethanes. One such adhesive maybe Loctite's HYSOLM-21HP or M-121HP available from Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.

The lower surface of the blade (not shown) may also have either a smoothsurface or a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be used tomaintain the retractor in place when inserted into the patient. Thegripping surface (e.g., non-skid) may be, for example, roughened orribbed.

In the first embodiment 10, the electrical connectors 26 may be incommunication with a cord 30 that is used to connect with a remote powersource, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill. Alternatively,the first embodiment may be battery powered as discussed below withregard to the second embodiment (and all of the variants of the secondembodiment, discussed below, may be incorporated with the firstembodiment).

A gripping surface 28 is located at the lower end of the shaft 12. Thegripping surface 28 may be adapted for gripping by hand or with clamps.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the placement of LED lights 18 isexplained. In FIG. 4, LED light 18 has a lens 32 mounted on a base 34.At least a portion of the lens 32 of the LED light 18 may be exposed atsurface 16. The outer surface of the lens 32 may be flush with uppersurface 16 or may protrude above upper surface 16 (as shown in FIGS. 4and 5). The LED light 18 is sealed within the blade 14 and there is nocover or blade material enclosing the LED light 18. The base 34 may becontained within channel 22. The electrical connectors 26 may beattached to the base 34.

The LED light 18 may be sealed in the channel 22 by use of an adhesive,screws, fasteners or a snap-on mechanism. The adhesive may be anyadhesive, it may be sterilized by a variety of methods including, butnot limited to, autoclaving, ethylene oxide, radiation, coldsterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma), immersion sterilization(i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. Such adhesives may be epoxies orpolyurethanes. One such adhesive maybe Loctite's HYSOL M-21HP or M-121HPavailable from Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the LED light or lights 18may be mounted on a PCB board with built in circuitry. The PCB board maybe either rigid or flexible, depending on the curvature requirement ofwhere the LED lights are mounted on the PCB board. The PCB board maythen be attached to the blade with an adhesive, screws, fasteners, orsimply snap in place (see above for sterilization requirements). The PCBboard may then be used to place LED lights 18 along either longitudinalaxis, transverse axis, or a combination thereof as needed in the case ofhook type retractor or in the convex, square, rectangle, or round shapedretractors. In another embodiment of the present invention, one or moreLED lights 18 may be placed along either longitudinal axis, transverseaxis, or a combination thereof as needed in the case of hook typeretractor or in the convex, square, rectangle, or round shapedretractors without using the PCB board.

The LED lights 18 may produce at least 90 lumens (or at least 180 lumensof light). The LED lights 18 may be autoclavable. The LED lights 18 maybe on a dimmer switch. The LED light may be a LUXEON RebelLXML-PWC1-0090 available from Philips Lumileds Lighting Co. of San Jose,Calif.

A camera 23 may be included in the retractor 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).Camera 23 may be a still camera or a motion camera. This camera may bebased upon CCD (charged-coupled device) technology. In this embodiment,the camera 23 may be placed in the blade 14 on the second surface 20behind LED lights 18. In this placement, the camera's field of vision isdirected generally down the length of blade 14 and angled away from theupper surface 16, so that the camera 23 is looking at the operativefield. This angle (as measured from behind surface 20) may be from5-90°, or 15-80°, or 30-75°. Thus, the LED lights 18 illuminate, whilethe camera 23 sees the illuminated area. The camera 23 maytransmit/store images in any fashion, i.e., via cable, or wirelesstransmission, or retained in a memory device for later retrieval. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the CCD can be mounted anywherealong the upper surface 16 on the blade 14 either flush with the blade14 or on a raised surface.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the surgicalretractor 10′ is shown. Generally, second embodiment 10′ is similar tofirst embodiment 10; accordingly, the discussion of the first embodiment10 is included herein. This embodiment may be used ‘hands-free,’ that isthe retractor remains in place without additional securement (hand-heldor mechanical) by the weight of the retractor when the blade is insertedinto an orifice (such as a vagina or an anus).

Surgical retractor 10′ has a shaft 12 and a blade 14. Shaft 12 and blade14 are joined together at an angle, are integral, and the angle may beadjustable (that is the angle between the blade and the shaft may bechanged by, for example, bending by hand or by a pivoting mechanism (notshown)). Additionally, a pair of re-enforcing wings 36 may be located atthe intersection of the shaft 12 and the blade 14. In this embodiment,the angle may be 45-135°, or 55-115°, or 55-85° (but may be at otherangles, e.g., 90°). Additionally, shaft 12 may be telescoping (notshown), so that it's length may be changed. The blade and shaft may bemade of any material, metal or plastic. This material may be opaque(i.e., non-light transmitting or non-transparent). The material may bechosen so that the retractor can be sterilized by a variety of methodsincluding, but not limited to, autoclaving, ethylene oxide, radiation,cold sterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma), immersionsterilization (i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. The plastics maybe: polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene), polyamides, perfluoroelastomers, polycarbonates,polyetheretherketones (PEEKs), polyphenyl sulfones, acetals, and/orthermoplastic elastomers (e.g., EDPM rubber crosslinked withpolypropylene). One such material may be ULTEM HU1004 (PEEK) availablefrom Sabic Innovative Plastics of Pittsfield, Mass.

The blade 14 has an upper surface 16 that may be concave (or flat orconvex). A plurality (at least two) of LED (light emitting diode) lights18 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. In thisembodiment, four lights 18 are shown in-line along the axis; however,other configurations of these lights are possible (e.g., multiple rowsand/or columns or other geometric configurations). The LED lights 18face up from the upper surface 16. Face up as used herein means that themajor axis of the LED light may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to135°) from the plane of the upper surface 16. The LED lights 18 may eachface up at differing angles. Further, details on the placement of theLED lights 18 may be found in the discussion of FIGS. 2-5 above. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the blade 14 may have a single LEDlight 18 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the blade 14 has an uppersurface 16 that may be concave, flat, round or convex. One or more LEDlights 18 may be disposed along the longitudinal or transverse axis ofthe blade 14.

A second surface 20 may also be associated with the upper surface 16 andis located on that portion of the upper surface 16 closer to the shaft12. This second surface 20 is disposed on the upper surface 16 at anangle and is located behind the LED lights 18. The angle may be suchthat second surface 20 faces away from the upper surface 16.

The shaft 12 and the blade 14 have a common lower surface 21. A channel22 is cut into the lower surface 21 of the blade 14 and the shaft 12.The channel 22 houses electrical connectors 26 (for example, see FIG. 3)that connect the LED lights 18 with a power source. The channel 22 isclosed and sealed with a closure member 26. The closure member 24 may beflush with the lower surface 21. The closure member 24 may be sealed inthe channel 22 by use of an adhesive, screws, fasteners, or snap-onmechanism. The adhesive may be any adhesive, it may be sterilized by avariety of methods including, but not limited to, autoclaving, ethyleneoxide, radiation, cold sterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma),immersion sterilization (i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. Suchadhesives may be epoxies or polyurethanes. One such adhesive maybeLoctite's HYSOL M-21HP or M-121HP available from Henkel Corporation ofRocky Hill, Conn.

The lower surface of the blade (not shown) may also have either a smoothsurface or a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be used tomaintain the retractor in place when inserted into the patient. Thegripping surface (e.g., non-skid) may be, for example, roughened orribbed.

In the second embodiment 10′, the electrical connectors 26 are incommunication with a power source 38 removeably mounted on shaft 12.Power source 38 may contain batteries 42 and may be removeably mountedonto shaft 12 via a clamp 40. Additionally, this power source provides aweight, so that the retractor 10′ may be used hands-free, as discussedabove. Furthermore, this power source 38 is removable from shaft 12.Thus, retractor 10′ may be autoclaved without the power source 38. Powersource 38 may be autoclaved without the batteries 42. In this situation,a sterile sleeve (not shown) may be used to insert batteries 42 into thesterile power source 38.

A camera (not shown), as discussed above, may be included in theretractor 10′. This camera may be a still camera or a motion camera.This camera may be based upon CCD (charged-coupled device) technology.In this embodiment, the camera may be placed in the blade 14 on thesecond surface 20 behind LED lights 18. In this placement, the camera'sfield of vision is directed generally down the length of blade 14 andangled away from the upper surface 16, so that the camera 23 is lookingat the operative field. This angle (as measured from behind surface 20)may be from 5-90°, or 15-80°, or 30-75°. Thus, the LED lights 18illuminate, while the camera 23 sees the illuminated area. The camera 23may transmit/store images in any fashion, i.e., via cable, or wirelesstransmission, or retained in a memory device for later retrieval. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the CCD can be mounted anywherealong the upper surface 16 on the blade 14 either flush with the blade14 or on a raised surface.

Additional variants of the second embodiment (not shown) may include:the battery source permanently fixed to the retractor; the batterysource and retractor being a single, integral unit; a remote powersource (as described above) with a removable weight; a remote powersource (as described above) with a non-removable weight.

Referring to FIG. 8, a third embodiment of the surgical retractor 10″ isshown. All of the features of the first embodiment 10 and the secondembodiment 10′ may be included in the third embodiment 10″. The thirdembodiment 10″ may be generally referred to as the speculum embodiment.Retractor 10″ includes retractor 10 and a second arm 43 moveably affixedto retractor 10. Retractor 10 may be the same as previously describedretractors 10 and/or 10′; accordingly, further detail discussion may befound above.

The second arm 43 includes a second shaft 46 joined to second blade 44.Construction of these mating shafts should be such that visualization bythe medical professional is not unduly obstructed. In this regard,reference is made to a standard ‘duck bill’ speculum, incorporatedherein by reference. Second arm 43 may be moveable along shaft 12 ofretractor 10, so that blades 14 and 44 may be spaced apart. Further,blades 14 and 44 may be hinged (not shown) on shafts 12 and 46,respectively; so that the distal tips of blades 14 and 44 may be spreadapart further than the hinged portions of the blades 14 and 44. Blade 44is shown as having a concave surface with LED lights, but otherconfigurations are possible (e.g., no lights and no concave surface).

Referring to FIG. 9, a fourth embodiment, a surgical retractor kit 48 isshown. All of the features of the first embodiment 10, the secondembodiment 10′, and the third embodiment 10″ may be included in thesurgical retractor kit 48. The surgical retractor kit 48 may begenerally referred to as a self retaining retractor system. The surgicalretractor kit 48 generally includes a plurality (at least two)retractors 10 (previously discussed retractor 10′ may used instead), anda holder set 49. Holder set 49 may include a stand 50, arm 52, clamps 54for fixing and securing the stand 50 and arm 52 in place, mounting ring56 for placement of the retractors 10, ring clamp 58, and couplers 60for fixing the retractors in place on mounting ring 56.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a fifth embodiment of the surgicalretractor is shown. All of the features of the previous embodiments maybe included in the fifth embodiment. This embodiment illustrates asurgical retractor 10′″ which has a shaft 12 and a blade 14. Shaft 12and blade 14 are joined together at an angle, are integral, and theangle may be adjustable (that is the angle between the blade and theshaft may be changed by, for example, bending by hand or by a pivotingmechanism (not shown)). Additionally, a pair of re-enforcing wings 36may be located at the intersection of the shaft 12 and the blade 14. Inthis embodiment, the angle may be 45-135°, or 55-115°, or 55-85° (butmay be at other angles, e.g., 90°). Additionally, shaft 12 may betelescoping (not shown), so that it's length may be changed. The bladeand shaft may be made of any material, metal or plastic. This materialmay be opaque (i.e., non-light transmitting or non-transparent). Thematerial may be chosen so that the retractor can be sterilized by avariety of methods including, but not limited to, autoclaving, ethyleneoxide, radiation, cold sterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma),immersion sterilization (i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. Theplastics may be: polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, ultra high molecularweight polyethylene), polyamides, perfluoroelastomers, polycarbonates,polyetheretherketones (PEEKs), polyphenyl sulfones, acetals, and/orthermoplastic elastomers (e.g., EDPM rubber crosslinked withpolypropylene). One such material may be ULTEM HU1004 (PEEK) availablefrom Sabic Innovative Plastics of Pittsfield, Mass.

The blade 14 has an upper surface 16 that may be concave (or flat orconvex). A plurality (at least two) of LED (light emitting diode) lights18 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. In thisembodiment, four lights 18 are shown in-line along the axis; however,other configurations of these lights are possible (e.g., multiple rowsand/or columns or other geometric configurations). The LED lights 18face up from the upper surface 16. Face up as used herein means that themajor axis of the LED light may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to135°) from the plane of the upper surface 16. The LED lights 18 may eachface up at differing angles. Further, details on the placement of theLED lights 18 may be found in the discussion of FIGS. 2-5 above. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the blade 14 may have a single LEDlight 18 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the blade 14 has an uppersurface 16 that may be concave, flat, round or convex. One or more LEDlights 18 may be disposed along the longitudinal or transverse axis ofthe blade 14.

A second surface 20 may also be associated with the upper surface 16 andis located on that portion of the upper surface 16 closer to the shaft12. This second surface 20 is disposed on the upper surface 16 at anangle and is located behind the LED lights 18. The angle may be suchthat second surface 20 faces away from the upper surface 16.

The shaft 12 and the blade 14 have a common lower surface 21. A channel22 is cut into the lower surface 21 of the blade 14 and the shaft 12.The channel 22 houses electrical connectors 26 (for example, see FIG. 3)that connect the LED lights 18 with a power source. The channel 22 isclosed and sealed with a closure member 24. The closure member 24 may beflush with the lower surface 21. The closure member 24 may be sealed inthe channel 22 by use of an adhesive, screws, fasteners, or snap-onmechanism. The adhesive may be any adhesive, it may be sterilized by avariety of methods including, but not limited to, autoclaving, ethyleneoxide, radiation, cold sterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma),immersion sterilization (i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. Suchadhesives may be epoxies or polyurethanes. One such adhesive maybeLocite's HYSOL M-21HP or M-121HP available from Henkel Corporation ofRocky Hill, Conn. The blade 14 also includes a ridge 80 which may beused when attaching to a power source 38.

The lower surface of the blade (not shown) may also have either a smoothsurface or a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be used tomaintain the retractor in place when inserted into the patient. Thegripping surface (e.g., non-skid) may be, for example, roughened orribbed.

In the fifth embodiment 10′″, the electrical connectors 26 are incommunication with a power source 38 removeably mounted on shaft 12.Power source 38 may contain batteries 42 and may be removeably mountedonto shaft 12 via a clamp 40. Additionally, this power source provides aweight, so that the retractor 10′″ may be used hands-free, as discussedabove. Furthermore, this power source 38 is removable from shaft 12.Thus, retractor 10′″ may be autoclaved without the power source 38.Power source 38 may be autoclaved without the batteries 42. In thissituation, a sterile sleeve (not shown) may be used to insert batteries42 into the sterile power source 38.

A camera (not shown), as discussed above, may be included in theretractor 10′″. This camera may be a still camera or a motion camera.This camera may be based upon CCD (charged-coupled device) technology.In this embodiment, the camera may be placed in the blade 14 on thesecond surface 20 behind LED lights 18. In this placement, the camera'sfield of vision is directed generally down the length of blade 14 andangled away from the upper surface 16, so that the camera 23 is lookingat the operative field. This angle (as measured from behind surface 20)may be from 5-90°, or 15-80°, or 30-75°. Thus, the LED lights 18illuminate, while the camera 23 sees the illuminated area. The camera 23may transmit/store images in any fashion, i.e., via cable, or wirelesstransmission, or retained in a memory device for later retrieval. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the CCD can be mounted anywherealong the upper surface 16 on the blade 14 either flush with the blade14 or on a raised surface.

Additional variants of the fifth embodiment (not shown) may include: thebattery source permanently fixed to the retractor; the battery sourceand retractor being a single, integral unit; a remote power source (asdescribed above) with a removable weight; a remote power source (asdescribed above) with a non-removable weight.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a sixth embodiment of the surgicalretractor is shown. All of the features of the previous embodiments maybe included in the sixth embodiment. This embodiment illustrates asurgical retractor 10″″ which has a shaft 12 and a blade 14 with anextension on the end of the blade 14. This extension may be described asa hook 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. The shaft 12 and blade 14are joined together at an angle, are integral, and the angle may beadjustable (that is the angle between the blade and the shaft may bechanged by, for example, bending by hand or by a pivoting mechanism (notshown)). Additionally, a pair of re-enforcing wings 36 may be located atthe intersection of the shaft 12 and the blade 14. In this embodiment,the angle may be 45-135°, or 55-115°, or 55-85° (but may be at otherangles, e.g., 90°). Additionally, shaft 12 may be telescoping (notshown), so that it's length may be changed. The blade 14 and hook 60 arejoined together at an angle, are integral, and the angle may beadjustable (that is the angle between the blade and the shaft may bechanged by, for example, bending by hand or by a pivoting mechanism (notshown)). In this embodiment, the angle may be 45-135°, or 55-115°, or55-85° (but may be at other angles, e.g., 90°). The blade, shaft andhook may be made of any material, metal or plastic. This material may beopaque (i.e., non-light transmitting or non-transparent). The materialmay be chosen so that the retractor can be sterilized by a variety ofmethods including, but not limited to, autoclaving, ethylene oxide,radiation, cold sterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma), immersionsterilization (i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. The plastics maybe: polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene), polyamides, perfluoroelastomers, polycarbonates,polyetheretherketones (PEEKs), polyphenyl sulfones, acetals, and/orthermoplastic elastomers (e.g., EDPM rubber crosslinked withpolypropylene). One such material may be ULTEM HU1004 (PEEK) availablefrom Sabic Innovative Plastics of Pittsfield, Mass.

The blade 14 has an upper surface 16 that may be concave (or flat orconvex). A plurality (at least two) of LED (light emitting diode) lights18 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. In thisembodiment, four lights 18 are shown in-line along the axis; however,other configurations of these lights are possible (e.g., multiple rowsand/or columns or other geometric configurations). The LED lights 18face up from the upper surface 16. Face up as used herein means that themajor axis of the LED light may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to135°) from the plane of the upper surface 16. The LED lights 18 may eachface up at differing angles. Further, details on the placement of theLED lights 18 may be found in the discussion of FIGS. 2-5 above. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the blade 14 may have a single LEDlight 18 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the blade 14 has an uppersurface 16 that may be concave, flat, round or convex. One or more LEDlights 18 may be disposed along the longitudinal or transverse axis ofthe blade 14.

The hook 60 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the blade 14.In this embodiment, two lights 18 are shown in-line along thelongitudinal axis; however, other configurations of these lights arepossible (e.g., transverse, multiple rows and/or columns or othergeometric configurations). The LED lights face up from the surface ofthe hook. Face up as used herein means that the major axis of the LEDlight may be at any angle from 1 to 179° (or 45 to 135°) from the planeof the upper surface 16. The LED lights 18 may each face up at differingangles. Further, details on the placement of the LED lights 18 may befound in the discussion of FIGS. 2-5 above. The LED lights 18 located onthe hook 60 may face in a different direction that the lights located onthe upper surface 16 of the blade 14.

A second surface 20 may also be associated with the upper surface 16 andis located on that portion of the upper surface 16 closer to the shaft12. This second surface 20 is disposed on the upper surface 16 at anangle and is located behind the LED lights 18. The angle may be suchthat second surface 20 faces away from the upper surface 16.

The hook 60, the shaft 12 and the blade 14 have a common lower surface21. A channel 22 is cut into the lower surface 21 of the hook 60, theblade 14 and the shaft 12. The channel 22 houses electrical connectors26 (for example, see FIG. 3) that connect the LED lights 18 with a powersource. The channel 22 is closed and sealed with a closure member 24.The closure member 24 may be flush with the lower surface 21. Theclosure member 24 may be sealed in the channel 22 by use of an adhesive,screws, fasteners, or snap-on mechanism. The adhesive may be anyadhesive, it may be sterilized by a variety of methods including, butnot limited to, autoclaving, ethylene oxide, radiation, coldsterilization (i.e. hydrogen peroxide plasma), immersion sterilization(i.e. Cidex), or a combination thereof. Such adhesives may be epoxies orpolyurethanes. One such adhesive maybe Locite's HYSOL M-21HP or M-121HPavailable from Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn. The blade 14 alsoincludes a ridge 80 which may be used when attaching to a power source38.

The lower surface of the blade (not shown) may also have either a smoothsurface or a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be used tomaintain the retractor in place when inserted into the patient. Thegripping surface (e.g., non-skid) may be, for example, roughened orribbed.

In the sixth embodiment 10″″, the electrical connectors 26 are incommunication with a power source 38 removeably mounted on shaft 12.Power source 38 may contain batteries 42 and may be removeably mountedonto shaft 12 via a clamp 40. Additionally, this power source provides aweight, so that the retractor 10″″ may be used hands-free, as discussedpreviously. Furthermore, this power source 38 is removable from shaft12. Thus, retractor 10″″ may be autoclaved without the power source 38.Power source 38 may be autoclaved without the batteries 42. In thissituation, a sterile sleeve (not shown) may be used to insert batteries42 into the sterile power source 38.

A camera (not shown), as discussed above, may be included in theretractor 10″″. This camera may be a still camera or a motion camera.This camera may be based upon CCD (charged-coupled device) technology.In this embodiment, the camera may be placed in the blade 14 on thesecond surface 20 behind LED lights 18. In this placement, the camera'sfield of vision is directed generally down the length of blade 14 andangled away from the upper surface 16, so that the camera 23 is lookingat the operative field. This angle (as measured from behind surface 20)may be from 5-90°, or 15-80°, or 30-75°. Thus, the LED lights 18illuminate, while the camera 23 sees the illuminated area. The camera 23may transmit/store images in any fashion, i.e., via cable, or wirelesstransmission, or retained in a memory device for later retrieval. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the CCD can be mounted anywherealong the upper surface 16 on the blade 14 either flush with the blade14 or on a raised surface.

Additional variants of the sixth embodiment (not shown) may include: thebattery source permanently fixed to the retractor; the battery sourceand retractor being a single, integral unit; a remote power source (asdescribed above) with a removable weight; a remote power source (asdescribed above) with a non-removable weight.

Referring to FIGS. 14-17, a seventh embodiment of the surgical retractoris shown. All of the features of the previous embodiments may beincluded in the seventh embodiment. FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a powersource 38 which includes a handle 82 and a pair of extension arms 37which emanate up from the main body of the power source. Each extensionarm 37 provides housing for a slot 41 shown in FIGS. 14 & 15 and eachslot 41 has an open end 86 near the handle 82 of the power source and abarrier 88 at the opposite end of the slot 41. Each slot 41 works inconjunction with one of the ridges 80 located on the shaft 12 of asurgical retractor. The shaft 12 is slideably engaged with the powersource 38 by aligning the ridges 80 of the shaft with the open end 86 ofeach slot 41 and then guiding the ridges 80 within each slot 41 bysliding the shaft 12 away from the handle 82 portion of the power source38. The barriers 88 located at the end of each slot 41 prevent theridges 51 and the shaft 12 from exiting the slot 41 on the end oppositeof the open end 86. This design allows the user of the surgicalretractor the ability to retract tissue without any concern of the powersource 38 disengaging from the shaft 12 as the surgical retractor ispulled while holding the handle 82. Also illustrated in FIG. 14 are apair of electrical connectors 39 which supply power from the battery 42to the plurality of LED lights located within the blade 14 or blades ofthe surgical retractor. FIG. 17 illustrates a surgical retractor 10 inwhich the shaft 12 is fully engaged to the power source 38.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, an eighth embodiment of the surgical retractoris shown. All of the features of the previous embodiments may beincluded in the eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment 10″″″ may begenerally referred to a modified speculum embodiment. Retractor 10′″″includes retractor 10′″″ and a sleeve 72 which emanates up from theblade 14 of the retractor. The sleeve 72 is shown in FIGS. 18-21 as asemi-circular tube-like shape which hollow and is open at both of itsends such that visualization by the medical professional is not undulyobstructed. In this regard, reference is made to a standard ‘duck bill’speculum, incorporated herein by reference. Also provided is an insert70 which may be slideably engaged within the sleeve 72 as shown in FIGS.20 and 21. This embodiment may be used ‘hands-free,’ that is theretractor remains in place without additional securement (hand-held ormechanical) by the weight or girth of the retractor when the blade isinserted into an orifice (such as a vagina or an anus). The device wouldbe placed within a patient with the insert 70 engaged within the sleeve72 of the retractor. The insert 70 may then be withdrawn from the sleeve72 providing an unobstructed line of sight through the hollow portion ofthe sleeve 72 by the medical professional. The blade 14 is shown ashaving a concave surface with LED lights (FIGS. 19 and 20), but otherconfigurations are possible (e.g., no lights and no concave surface).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical retractor 10,there is a zero degree (0°) angle between the shaft 12 and the blade 14.This may be known in the art as a thyroid/vein retractor or a one endArmy-Navy retractor. In this embodiment, the L.E.D lights may be mountedon the blade 14 and/or on the distal portion of surface 16. Thisretractor is very useful in ENT, oral, thyroid, and breast surgery. Instill another embodiment of the present invention, the surgicalretractor 10 includes a blade 14 with a cross section which is convex,square, rectangular or circular. The LED lights 18 may then be mountedonto two or more separate surfaces of the blade 14 (i.e. at 2-5 surfacesfor convex, square and rectangular shape, and all around the circularshape blade 14). This embodiment allows for the illumination of greaterthan 180 degrees in all directions vs LED lights on a single surfacewith an illumination of less than 180 degrees in a single direction.Furthermore, when the retractor is placed in the center of cavity, itwould allow for the full illumination of the entire cavity (serve morethan like a lighting mechanism than just a retractor). Additionally, asingle or a plurality of CCD may be mounted on one or more surfaces ofthe surgical retractor 10 to permit visualization anywhere theillumination of the LED lights reaches.

1. A surgical retractor comprising:

-   -   a shaft with an integral blade, the shaft and the blade being        joined at an angle, the blade having an upper surface, one or        more of LED lights being embedded within the blade and exposed        at the upper surface, the blade surrounding the LED lights being        opaque.

2. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein each of the LED lightscomprises a lens and a LED, the lens being exposed at the upper surface.

3. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein each of the LED lightsbeing flush with the upper surface or protruding above the uppersurface.

4. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the LED light emits atleast 90 lumens.

5. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the blade and shaft havinga lower surface with an integral channel therein and a closure membercovering the channel.

6. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the channel houseselectrical connectors for the LED lights.

7. The surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising a power sourcefor the LED lights in communication with the electrical connectors, andthe power source being either carried on the shaft or remote from theshaft.

8. The surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising a grippingsurface on the shaft.

9. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the angle between the shaftand the blade being adjustable.

10. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the shaft beingtelescoping.

11. The surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising a second bladefacing the first mentioned blade and being moveable to and from theprevious mentioned blade.

12. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the upper surface beingconcave, flat, convex, or round.

13. The surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising camera orcameras being mounted on the blade.

14. The surgical retractor of claim 13 wherein the camera being mountedin a second surface adjacent to the upper surface.

15. The surgical retractor of claim 13 wherein the camera or cameras canbe mounted anywhere along the upper surface 16 on the blade 14 eitherflush with the blade 14 or on a raised surface.

16. A surgical retractor kit comprising a mounting ring, at least onesurgical retractor according to claim 1, and a coupler for releasablymounting the retractor to the ring.

17. A surgical retractor comprising:

-   -   a shaft with an integral blade, the shaft and the blade being        joined at an angle, the blade having an upper surface, one or        more LED lights facing up from the upper surface, a second        surface at an angle to the upper surface, and a camera disposed        in the second surface, wherein the camera faces down the blade        and away from the upper surface.

18. The surgical retractor of claim 16 where the camera being a CCDcamera.

19. The surgical retractor of claim 16 where the lights being LEDlights.

20. The surgical retractor of claim 16 where the angle being 5-90°.

The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departingfrom the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly,reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to theforegoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A surgical retractor comprising: a shaft with an integralblade, the shaft and the blade being joined at an angle, the bladehaving an upper surface, one or more LED lights are embedded within theblade and exposed at the upper surface, where the blade surrounding theLED lights is opaque, one or more electrical connectors that connect theone or more LED lights with a power source; one or more ridges (80)located on said shaft and located at an end opposite of the blade whereeach said ridge has a proximal end located toward the middle of theshaft and a distal end located on the shaft end opposite of the blade;the power source for the LED lights is in communication with theelectrical connectors, said power source having one or more slots (41)operationally associated with the one or more ridges (80), each saidslot including an open end (86) located on an end closest to a handle(82) and a barrier (88) located on the opposite end of the slot (41);wherein said shaft (12) is slideably engaged with the slots (41) on thepower source by aligning the proximal end of each ridge(s) (80) of theshaft with the open end of each slot(s) (41) of the power source (38)and sliding the power source in a direction opposite of the blade untilthe proximal end of each ridge lies within each slot and engages thebarrier (88) of each slot to releasably secure the shaft to the powersource; wherein each barrier (88) prevents its corresponding ridge (80)and the shaft (12) from exiting the slot (41) while the tissue retractoris in use.
 2. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein each of the LEDlights comprises a lens and a LED, the lens being exposed at the uppersurface.
 3. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein each of the LEDlights are flush with the upper surface or protruding above the uppersurface.
 4. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofLED lights emit at least 90 lumens.
 5. The surgical retractor of claim 1wherein the blade and shaft have a lower surface with an integralchannel therein, the electrical connectors for the LED lights are housedwithin the channel, and a closure member covering the channel.
 6. Thesurgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the surgical retractor isautoclavable.
 7. The surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising apair of re-enforcing wings located at the intersection of the shaft andthe blade; a sleeve which emanates up from the blade, wherein the sleeveis a semi-circular tube-like shape which is hollow and is open at bothof its ends such that visualization by the medical professional is notunduly obstructed; and an insert which is removably and slideablyengaged within the sleeve.
 8. The surgical retractor of claim 1 furthercomprising a gripping surface on the shaft.
 9. The surgical retractor ofclaim 1 wherein the angle between the shaft and the blade is adjustable.10. The surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein the shaft is telescoping.11. The surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising a second bladefacing the first mentioned blade and being moveable to and from theprevious mentioned blade.
 12. The surgical retractor of claim 1 whereinthe upper surface is concave, flat, convex or round.
 13. The surgicalretractor of claim 1 further comprising a camera or cameras beingmounted on the blade.
 14. The surgical retractor of claim 13 wherein thecamera or cameras are mounted anywhere along the upper surface on theblade either flush with the blade or on a raised surface.
 15. A surgicalretractor kit comprising a mounting ring, at least one surgicalretractor according to claim 1, and a coupler for releasably mountingthe retractor to the ring.
 16. A surgical retractor comprising: a shaftwith an integral blade, the shaft and the blade being joined at anangle, the blade having an upper surface, one or more LED lights facingup from the upper surface, a second surface at an angle to the uppersurface, and a sleeve (72) which emanates up from the blade, wherein thesleeve (72) is a semi-circular tube-like shape which is hollow and isopen at both of its ends such that visualization by the medicalprofessional is not unduly obstructed; an insert (70) which is removablyand slideably engaged within the sleeve (72); one or more electricalconnectors that connect the one or more LED lights with a power source;one or more ridges (80) located on said shaft and located at an endopposite of the blade where each said ridge has a proximal end locatedtoward the middle of the shaft and a distal end located on the shaft endopposite of the blade; the power source for the LED lights is incommunication with the electrical connectors, said power source havingone or more slots (41) operationally associated with the one or moreridges (80), each said slot including an open end (86) located on an endclosest to a handle (82) and a barrier (88) located on the opposite endof the slot (41); wherein said shaft (12) is slideably engaged with theslots (41) on the power source by aligning the proximal end of eachridge(s) (80) of the shaft with the open end of each slot(s) (41) of thepower source (38) and sliding the power source in a direction oppositeof the blade until the proximal end of each ridge lies within each slotand engages the barrier (88) of each slot to releasably secure the shaftto the power source; wherein each barrier (88) prevents itscorresponding ridge (80) and the shaft (12) from exiting the slot (41)while the tissue retractor is in use.
 17. The surgical retractor ofclaim 16 further comprising a camera.
 18. The surgical retractor ofclaim 16 wherein the surgical retractor is autoclavable.
 19. Thesurgical retractor of claim 16 where the angle where the shaft and theblade are joined is 5-90°.
 20. The surgical retractor of claim 16further comprising a pair of re-enforcing wings located at theintersection of the shaft and the blade and further comprising a hooklocated at an end of said blade.